HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL TOUR IN KATHMANDU VALLEY

Introduction

Nepal is a repository of culture and faith. Worshipper of nature. Nepal is one of the most beautiful country in the world. There are many cultural and historical tour in Nepal. We have many different kinds of culture and tradition. The Kathmandu Valley in Nepal is a region of profound historical, cultural, and religious significance. Surrounded by the Himalayan foothills, it has been the political and cultural heart of Nepal for centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich heritage and concentration of ancient monuments.

In every step you take here it feels as if no one loves even through there are thousands of stories and hardships on every piece of land. This country continues to shine brightly due to its deep faith and spirituality. That’s why even in the most remote and rugged landscapes. It is a divine land that is difficult to reach but gives you a sense of fulfillment as if a life goal has been achieved once you arrive. For devotees, it is a pilgrimage site and for nature worshippers, it is heaven. There are lots of mountains where we can see them.

Nepal is a image of paradise even the gushing waterfalls seem to whisper prayers we are taking you there. We could see clouds that seemed to disrupt the entire skyline. Sometimes, rain had washed the landscape, turning the greenery into a golden hue.

Kathmandu is the heart of Nepal where there is lots of cultural and historical places are alive. We could see lots of traditional places where we can pray and worship god in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the spiritually, historically and religious significance. In Kathmandu valley there is ancient temple, sacred temples , vibrates markets and centuries old traditions.

Table of Content

Why choose Kathmandu for Historical and Cultural tour ?

Kathmandu is the heart of Nepal. We can explore many historical and cultural places which is lies in the Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu is the spiritually, historically and religious significance. In Kathmandu valley we can many ancient temples like Pashupatinath temple, Dashinkali temple, Chagunarayanthan Temple. Every temple have its own stories. We can see sacred temples which are Pashupatinath Temple and Dashinkali temple. We can see many ancient stupa like Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, etc. We can see many Durbar Square like Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Narayanhiti Palace and Musuem, etc. We can experience the Newari villages and Culture. We can taste different kinds of foods which is made by Newari people. We can see local markets and explore Newari lifestyle.

Here is some description of Historical and Cultural places which are given bellow;

The Sacred Temples like Pashupatinath Temple and Dashinkali Temple:

Pushupatinath Temple is the oldest, sacred and holies pilgrimage sites of Nepal which is lies in the Kathmandu, in the bank of Bagmati river. This temple was classified as a World Heritage Site in 1979, it covers the area of 246 hectares and 518 mini temples. This temple has four main doors and these doors are covered with silver sheets and the pinnacle (peak) is gold. As we delve into Historical and Religious sites we find different stories in different scriptures. However, all of these text unanimously agree on one thing. This is indeed the idol of Lord Shiva, it is because of Shiva that this temple came into existence. It was a two story pagoda style temple, standing almost 24 meters tall from the ground.

The statue or also called linga has four faces of Lord Shiva facing four different directions which are east, west, north and south and also called them as a tatpurusha, Sadyojata, Aghora and Vamadeva. The easten face tatpurusha symbolizes the light and knowledge. The western face Sadyojata represents purity and new beginnings. The southern face, signifies destruction and rebirth. The northern face symbolize compassion of life. This temples is established more than 2000 years and this temple carry Nepal’s rich history.

The biggest festival is Shiva Rattri which attracts 1 million domestic and international devotees every year. It is not just a symbol of our cultural ad religious heritage, it is also a symbol of our history, religion and tradition. This temple taught us how to live, how to connect with our existence and culture. It has helped preserve our ancient history and brought us closer to our rituals and traditions. But taking pictures inside the temple is strictly prohibited.

Why visits Pashupatinath Temple?

1. To see Hinduism Temple
2. Different Structures
3. Silver door
4. Gold roofed main temple
5. Experience the uniqueness of temple
6. Four faces statue (linga)
7. Can see 518 mini temples, and many more.

Dashinkali Temple

Dashinkali Temple is another one of the most sacred temple it is lies in Kathmandu. The distance between Dashinkali and Kathmandu is 18 kilometer. It has a same religious value as Pashupatinath Temple.  The temple has more tourist attractions as it is a popular hiking destination located near Pharping village in Nepal. The temple’s establishment is attributed to King Pratap Malla during the 17th century.

Mother Dakshinakali is the most popular form of Kali. She is the benevolent mother, who protects her devotees and children from mishaps and misfortunes.it usually closes at 11.30 Am for rituals and open at next day. There are many stories about Dashinkali Temple. There are lots of another god statue. Most of the people go their in Dashain to worship Maa Kali. The temple is renowned for its tantric rituals, particularly the animal sacrifices offered to appease Goddess Kali and seek her blessings. These sacrifices, primarily of goats and cocks, are especially prevalent on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with the Dashain festival marking the peak of such activities . Devotees believe that these offerings help avert misfortunes and fulfill their wishes.

Inside the temple, a black stone idol of Goddess Kali stands on a prostrated Shiva, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Adjacent to her are representations of the Sapta Matrika (Seven Divine Mothers) and Bhairab, emphasizing the temple’s tantric essence .

The temple is situated in a tranquil forested area, providing a serene environment for worship and reflection. Nearby, the Pharping village offers additional cultural and historical sites, making it a worthwhile addition to your visit. On the approach to the temple, you’ll find numerous stalls selling ritual items, flowers, and local snacks, enhancing the cultural experience.

Why visits Dashinkali Temple?

1. To see Hinduism Temple
2. Experience the uniqueness of temple
3. Greenery everywhere
4. Devi Kali Maa Statue
5. Cultural Experience, etc.

Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath Stupa is located in atop a hill in the Kathmandu valley, west of Kathmandu city. It is one of the oldest religious site of Nepal. Swayambhunath refers to many words in many languages and country. In Tibetan and Sanskrit name of the site means ” self arising and self created”. It top is made from 20 kg of gold which is founded by Tibetan Nyingma Meditation Center of California, and begin in June 2008. Swayambhunath Stupa the Buddha eye and eyebrow is painted with many color which look so amazing. The buddha nose is also different from the other stupa’s statue. The structure of the painted eyes are looking in all four directions. All the four eyes reflects the wisdom and compassion.

There are pentagonal toranas present above each of the four sides of the cube with buddha relief on them. The dome of the base entire the whole world. The Thirteen pinnacles on the top symbolize that the world sentient being have to see that thirteen stage of spiritual realization to reach enlightenment. There are carvings of the Panch Buddhas (five Buddhas) on each of the four sides of top of the stupa, just like there are statues of the Buddhas at the base of the stupa. Panch Buddhas are Buddha in a metaphorical sense in Tantrayana. They are Vairochana, Akshobhya Ratna Sambhava, Amitabha, and Amoghsiddhi.

This Pictures is from the hillock of

Swayambhunath Stupa.

Why visits Swayambhunath Stupa? 

1. To experience the Buddhist Religion.
2. The structure of Stupa.
3. Can explore the culture.
4. Can see the top which is made by 20 kg gold.
5. It also provides information about the first and the second Buddhas in Buddhism.
6. Can feels the painting of the Buddha.
7. The place is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.
8. Oldest Stupa of Nepal.

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa is lies in Boudha, northeast of the Kathmandu valley. It is one of the largest stupa in the world and largest stupa in Nepal. In 1979, the Boudha Stupa is becomes one of the UNESCO’S World Heritage Site of Nepal.

It is located on the ancient trade route from Tibet to India which enters the Kathmandu valley by the village of Sankhu in the northeast corner and continues to the ancient and smaller stupa of Chabahil named Charumati Stupa, often called “Little Boudhanath”.Along with Swayambhunath  and it is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites for devout Buddhists, which also attracts tourists to the Kathmandu area.

Whole area of Boudhanath Stupa